Minnesota State is set to celebrate a major milestone in 2018 as it will celebrate its 150th birthday.

“It’s a huge milestone for our institution,” Paul Hustoles, chair of the 150th observance, said. “It gives us an opportunity to really look at our past and an opportunity to think about the next 150 years. It’s not every day you get to celebrate your 150th birthday.”

Founded on Oct. 7, 1868, MSU is Minnesota’s third oldest university behind Winona State University (1858) and the University of Minnesota (1851). MSU has been celebrating over the last year and it will cap off the celebrations with homecoming and a few other events in the coming weeks.

“We have had more than 150 events during the past year, including this past summer,” Hustoles said. “We are just coming into our ‘grand finale week.'”

Celebration events include the “Stomping Through the Decades” Homecoming Parade, several presentations, dedications to MSU buildings, speakers and more. Saturday, Oct. 6 marks the finale of the celebration and will be the Birthday Bash party in the CSU.

“We are taking over the CSU and it should be a great time,” Hustoles said. “Of course we will have cake and ice cream, but also fun and games, a variety show, a big dance and an amazing laser show projected onto to the CSU.”

Hustoles said the event is free to “every member of our MSU community” and more details regarding the event should be available soon. He also stressed the importance of celebrating the university’s milestone.

“Current students will forever be part of our history. [There’s] no time like the present to celebrate our collective past and our anticipated future,” he said.

For more information about MSU’s 150th Observance, please contact Paul Hustoles at paul.hustoles@mnsu.edu or visit www.mnsu.edu/150/.